Indy and Houston have arguably the best passing offenses in the league. Which everyone knows is our weakness. Then throw in the all important Raven matchup in week 1. This is a VERY tough way to start a season.

The first 4 games of a season are not typically must wins and I'm not saying they are...but I think if we can win 3 of the first 4 games, we'll be primed for a serious playoff run (assuming we stay healthy) If we split.... not a big deal.... if we lose 3 of 4 I think we are in trouble. ....I can't recall a tougher schedule to start the season. Losing 3 of 4 would put us in the corner having to win 9 of the next 12 games to make the playoffs. So I really think starting out "hot" is more important then any other season I can remember.

Catching Indy in September probably is a good break - although I bet Manning will be back by then he will be very rusty - last time he missed the preseason due to a knee injury he took until late October to round into top form

Houston is alway a trendy pick until the games actually start being played

And IMO all the pressure is on the Ravens in week one given that they have not beaten Roethlisberger since 2006

If you check out the Baltimore Sun (which I do to harass Ravens fans) website it is hilarious to see how much Steelers are in their heads. That team and their fans have a serious confidence issue. How couldn't they when we own them in the clutch moments.

They seriously think that since they have blown up their offense that it means they have matched ours in firepower and that their speedy receivers will tear our defense apart much like NE and GB's wr corp.

Problem is - Flacco is TERRIBLE reading through his progressions - especially over the middle. There is a reason why Bmore fans call him Checkdown Joey. If his first receiver isn't open, he'll toss it to Ray Rice.

Also - they don't utilize Ray Rice the way they should - 370 carries - only 5 touchdowns lol.

They also think that having a brand new defensive coordinator (2 in 2 years) and blitzing more often instead of using 3 or 4 to rush will put them over the top.

They are starting over on so many levels that it is pitiful at best. I love seeing them trying to scramble to match the Steelers and doing a LOT of talking like they always do.

on the flip side the last half of our schedule should be a cake walk, we can go 4-4 through our first 8 games and still be in good shape to go 11-5, I'd rather not worry about any games in particular and just play it like we always do, one week at a time